Grachtenfestival: Artist in Residence: Arjan at the Asian Pavilion

North Indian classical music on trombone and tabla

In this concert, North Indian classical music for trombone and tabla is performed. Ragas take center stage: melodic structures that unfold step by step and offer ample room for improvisation. The trombone takes on the role of the vocal part, while the tabla responds, supports, and challenges with refined and complex rhythms. The music moves from hushed lines to energetic dialogues and rhythmic outbursts. Because a large part of the performance is created on the spot, every concert is unique.

Music amidst Asian art in the Rijksmuseum

The Grachtenfestival presents this concert for the first time at the Rijksmuseum. In honor of Artist in Residence Arjan Linker, the museum opens the Asian Pavilion as a concert venue. Amidst masterpieces from the Asian art collection, music and surroundings meet in a unique way.

Arjan Linker and Tarang Poddar: 2 musicians, 2 worlds

After his training in Amsterdam, trombonist Arjan Linker fully immersed himself in the North Indian classical tradition. He became a student of Ustad Sabir Khan and Vidushi Tulika Ghosh and is considered a pioneer of this musical style on the trombone. Tablaist Tarang Poddar was born in India and is based in the Netherlands. Trained within the traditional guru-shishya system, he performed early on as a soloist alongside prominent Indian musicians. Today, he also incorporates influences from jazz, flamenco, and Brazilian music into his playing.